REDLANDS>> The public will have two upcoming opportunities to give their input on the potential environmental impacts of the Redlands Passenger Rail Project.

San Bernardino Associated Governments will host the meetings to present the project’s Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report as part of the environmental document phase.

“The public process and the public comment review period for Redlands Rail is underway. This is a critical step in the process to educate the public to let them know the specifics of rail coming to Redlands,” said Redlands Mayor Pete Aguilar.

The Redlands Passenger Rail Project is a 9-mile route that would extend Metrolink service from downtown San Bernardino to the city of Redlands as early as 2017 and as late as 2019.

The project is under the San Bernardino County sales tax Measure I 2010-2040 Strategic Plan and 10-year Delivery Plan.

Construction has started on the $100 million Metrolink extension project from the Santa Fe Depot one mile to the San Bernardino Transit Center at Rialto Avenue and E Street.

Metrolink trains could run from Redlands to Los Angeles and back multiple times a day, while diesel multiple units would run back and forth from Redlands and San Bernardino throughout the day.

When completed, officials expect the system will increase ridership on Metrolink’s San Bernardino line by at least 10 percent.

The Redlands project is estimated to cost between $200 million and $250 million.

The meetings are scheduled for 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Esri cafe, 380 New York St., and from 5 to 7 p .m. Tuesday at The Hotel, 285 E. Hospitality Lane in San Bernardino.

“These meetings will provide the public with an opportunity to learn more about the Redlands Passenger Rail Project as well as participate in the environmental review process,” said San Bernardino County Supervisor James Ramos in an emailed statement. “Resident participation is key in the successful implementation of a major transportation project such as the rail extension to Redlands. I encourage local residents to attend these upcoming public meetings.”

An overview of the proposed project as well as the environmental review process will be given starting at 5:15 p.m.

The documents have been circling since Aug. 6. Public comment will be taken until 5 p.m. Sept. 29.

Aguilar said public involvement and input will be sought throughout the project.

“It’s important that people understand that construction is going to happen and going to move forward,” Aguilar said. “There will be some modest delays but at the end of the day we’re going to have commuter rail that is so important to the East Valley.”